Analyzing the Medical Technology Industry in Québec: Medical technologies
This is an extract from an article in the Biosienceworld website by Chris Rogers and Maria Cootauco
If one looks at the medical device industry in a classic sense, Québec may not have the most companies, at least from an absolute point-of-view, however, if the definition is opened up to include medical technologies (e.g. diagnostics and healthcare IT), than Québec suddenly becomes a hotbed. Diane Cote, vice-president of MEDEC-AITS, believes the need to look closer at the traditional definition because of the evolution of the industry in Québec.
“I think it’s a reflection of the convergence that you see in the technologies,” she said.
Cote explains that medical technologies have become very multi-disciplinary in the way they now need people from various backgrounds and skills and areas of expertise to put together even classic devices.
Cote said there are around 600 organizations in Québec that are actively engaged in actually producing solutions or assisting companies that are producing solutions. She cites a recent report that claims around 60 per cent of companies engaged in healthcare IT or e-health are based in Québec.
The industry in Québec is quite dynamic. Cote attributes the successes
(especially in the Montréal area) to three main themes.
CHCA
CHCA Computer Systems Inc., a computer solutions company based in Terrebonne, QC, has been in the business of building healthcare management systems since 1992.
One of its cornerstone technologies is the Opera Surgical Management System, an operating room management software application that gives clinicians and administrators all available information on surgical procedures planned, underway or completed. The programs includes features for OR planning and scheduling, material management, material requirement planning, pre-admission consultants, documentation of operating times, procedure clinical notes, sterilization management and transcription.
Also in its roster of management systems is Concerto, an electronic health record system that provides healthcare professionals with real-time access to information to support clinical processes. The SUM information system enables the application of accounting activities from a horizontal management perspective.
In addition to its robust management systems, CHCA also provides clients with consulting services, user training, technical support and integration services.
THREE MAIN THEMES
1. The classic clinical research activities that lead to the development of devices and technologies.
2. The presence of two engineering schools in Montréal that are very engaged in the industry.
3. In Québec, as in other provinces, the healthcare delivery system is very integrated where there are not only hospitals but social services, encouraging solutions that cover the entire spectrum of delivery.